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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure> <p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p> <p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p> <p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p> <p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p> <p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure> <p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p> <p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p> <p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p> <p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p> <p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '66', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4133', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '66', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Michigan', 'url' => 'michigan', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order'include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure> <p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p> <p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p> <p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p> <p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p> <p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure> <p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p> <p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p> <p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p> <p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p> <p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '66', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4133', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '66', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Michigan', 'url' => 'michigan', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order'include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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/special-feature/66/michigan.html">Michigan
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Nonstop innovation in laser technology ',
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'content_old' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>The R&D arm of the Japan-based <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, <a href="http://www.imra.com/" target="_blank">IMRA America Inc.</a> established its operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1990 and capitalized on their own technological expertise with the University of Michigan.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-IMRA-Omitsu-Photo.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We were fortunate to have the <a href="https://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> provide us with a perfect introduction to the state as they have been the most reliable research partner in improving <a href="http://www.imra.com/technology/" target="_blank">our laser technology</a>. The company and the university are able to dream up some new thing and we make products that always require improvement. To me, the key of success today was patience, patience and patience in these high tech products, which came from Japanese style of management.” said IMRA America President Takashi Omitsu.</p>
<p>Also active in Europe and Asia, the North American operation of IMRA remains the most success­ful both in research and revenue, as it has built an impressive IP portfolio.</p>
<p>“We are always open to work­ing with other researchers in the field of laser technology engineering as well as companies seeking the best and most-advanced laser technology in the market,” said Omitsu.</p>
<p>With its well-established repu­tation for quality, reliability and longevity, IMRA America’s products have become the preferred choice in the <a href="http://www.imra.com/applications/application-areas/biomedical/" target="_blank">medical sector</a>.</p>
<p>“We are at the forefront of de­veloping new laser technology but now there is a need to create new applications for our prod­ucts. So, we are seeking part­nerships to execute these goals with,” said Omitsu. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Nonstop innovation in laser technology
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20671', 'title' => 'Matsuura Machinery: Here to stay ', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'matsuura-machinery-here-to-stay', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Minnesota, Matsuura Machinery, John Schwartz, Manufacturing, Machinery', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p> <p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure> <p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p> <p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p> <p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p> <p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p> <p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p> <p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p> <p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p> <p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p> <p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p> <p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure> <p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p> <p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p> <p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p> <p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p> <p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p> <p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p> <p>“Customers expect support. 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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. 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depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20671', 'title' => 'Matsuura Machinery: Here to stay ', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'matsuura-machinery-here-to-stay', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Minnesota, Matsuura Machinery, John Schwartz, Manufacturing, Machinery', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p> <p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure> <p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p> <p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p> <p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p> <p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p> <p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p> <p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p> <p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p> <p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p> <p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p> <p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure> <p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p> <p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p> <p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p> <p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p> <p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p> <p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p> <p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p> <p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p> <p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '67', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4134', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '67', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Minnesota', 'url' => 'minnesota', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'michigan', 'article_id' => '20670', 'article_url' => 'nonstop-innovation-in-laser-technology' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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/special-feature/67/minnesota.html">Minnesota
Dec 29, 2014
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We’re off to a good start,” said <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/" target="_blank">Matsuura Machinery USA (MMU)</a> President and Chief Executive Officer John Schwartz.</p>
<p>Since establishing the Japa­nese subsidiary in St. Paul, Min­nesota a mere nineteen months ago, Matsuura has already dou­bled the volume of its exports to the United States.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-MATSUURA-BUILDING.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Matsuura Machinery USA's headquarters in Minnesota</figcaption></figure>
<p>Historically, Matsuura has ex­ported around one-third of its total production in the United States, making the recent surge in export volumes impressive.</p>
<p>“Matsuura’s decision to set up its operations here speaks volumes on the importance with which it views this market,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>In the United States, MMU primarily provides automated turnkey solutions to various lev­els of the supply chain for medi­cal device, aerospace, oil & gas drilling and automotive com­panies requiring highly precise work.</p>
<p>Living up to its reputation in Japan for making <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/products" target="_blank">high quality reliable machines</a>, Matsuura has raised the competitiveness of its customers.</p>
<p>“When customers realize that Matsuura technology allows them to literally run machines all night and all weekend with­out needing any people, and they figure out what that means to their bottom line, they abso­lutely make more money with our product than with anything else,” he said.</p>
<p>Backed by its reputation for reliability and premium qual­ity, Matsuura’s move into the United States has also allowed it to greatly improve its <a href="http://www.matsuurausa.com/services/service" target="_blank">customer service</a>.</p>
<p>“Customers expect support. We have installed about 10,000 machines in the USA over the past 40 years. That’s a lot of customers expecting the best service because they bought the very best equipment. When they call, they expect to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Having invested millions of dollars into its facilities, equip­ment and inventory in the United States, Matsuura’s com­mitment to North America is un­wavering.</p>
<p>“We are here, and we are go­ing to be here for a long time.” Schwartz said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Matsuura Machinery: Here to stay
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20672', 'title' => 'Taiyo adds a healthy touch to American foods and beverages ', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'taiyo-adds-a-healthy-touch-to-american-foods-and-beverages', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Minnesota, Taiyo International, Scott Smith, Food, Manufacturing, Japan', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p> <p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure> <p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p> <p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p> <p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p> <p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p> <p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p> <p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p> <p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure> <p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p> <p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p> <p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p> <p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p> <p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p> <p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '67', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4134', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '67', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Minnesota', 'url' => 'minnesota', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'minnesota', 'article_id' => '20671', 'article_url' => 'matsuura-machinery-here-to-stay' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20672', 'title' => 'Taiyo adds a healthy touch to American foods and beverages ', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'taiyo-adds-a-healthy-touch-to-american-foods-and-beverages', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Minnesota, Taiyo International, Scott Smith, Food, Manufacturing, Japan', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p> <p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure> <p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p> <p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p> <p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p> <p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p> <p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p> <p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p> <p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure> <p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p> <p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p> <p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p> <p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p> <p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p> <p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '67', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4134', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '67', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Minnesota', 'url' => 'minnesota', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'minnesota', 'article_id' => '20671', 'article_url' => 'matsuura-machinery-here-to-stay' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Taiyo adds a healthy touch to American foods and beverages ',
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'content_old' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi­-based food manufacturer <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/" target="_blank">Taiyo Kagaku</a> moved its <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/locations/north-america-corporate-headquarters/" target="_blank">North American sales operations to Minnesota</a> in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.</p>
<p>“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/6-MINNESOTA/JT-USA-2014-Taiyo-Int-Group-2014.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Team Taiyo: (L-R) Paul Coffey, Mitsuko Plummer, Gustavo Gonzalo, Kazunori Kuroki, Molly Brown, Scott Smith, Rafael Roman, Bill Driessen</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We relocated here for a number of rea­sons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.html" target="_blank">University of Minnesota</a>, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.</p>
<p>Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of <a href="http://www.taiyointernational.com/products/" target="_blank">innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health</a>, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.</p>
<p>With over half of Taiyo’s international busi­ness generated in the Americas, the com­pany is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.</p>
<p>“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and bever­age industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trust­ed for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.</p>
<p>“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing inter­est in this category from Japan and other in­dustrialized nations due to a rapidly aging pop­ulation that continues to place burdens on tra­ditional health care systems.</p>
<p>Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and cus­tomer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Taiyo adds a healthy touch to American foods and beverages
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20673', 'title' => 'Academic excellence bridging Japan and America ', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'academic-excellence-bridging-japan-and-america', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Missouri, Washington University St. Louis, Mark Wrighton, Education, Japan', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p> <p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure> <p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p> <p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p> <p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p> <p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p> <p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p> <p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p> <p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure> <p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p> <p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p> <p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p> <p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p> <p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p> <p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '68', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4136', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '68', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Missouri', 'url' => 'missouri', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'minnesota', 'article_id' => '20672', 'article_url' => 'taiyo-adds-a-healthy-touch-to-american-foods-and-beverages' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p> <p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure> <p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p> <p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p> <p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p> <p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p> <p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p> <p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p> <p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure> <p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p> <p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. 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[There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p> <p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p> <p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '68', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4136', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '68', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Missouri', 'url' => 'missouri', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'minnesota', 'article_id' => '20672', 'article_url' => 'taiyo-adds-a-healthy-touch-to-american-foods-and-beverages' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“At the beginning of my chan­cellorship in 1995, we decided to be more proactive in seeking relationships with universities, gov­ernments and businesses. The initial focus, in fact, was on Asia,” recalled <a href="http://wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)</a> <a href="http://wustl.edu/about/leadership/wrighton.html" target="_blank">Chancellor Mark Wrighton</a>, also one of the longest-serving chancellors of a top American university.</p>
<p>Today, the centerpiece of WUSTL’s international agenda is the <a href="http://mcdonnell.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">McDonnell International Scholars Academy</a>, which brings the brightest students from 28 universities from all over the world — 17 of which are from Asia — to St. Louis not only to pursue excellence in their cho­sen field, but also to interact with their contemporaries in order to gain a deeper understand­ing of each other and the United States. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-BROOKINGS.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Washington University in St. Louis's Danforth Campus and iconic Brookings Hall</figcaption></figure>
<p>With its rich 161-year his­tory, WUSTL today has 13,000 students engaged in both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.</p>
<p>Among its seven schools, the university is most recognized for its <a href="http://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">School of Medicine</a>, best known for its strength in genet­ics, genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research, as well as the <a href="http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/" target="_blank">Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center</a>, America’s third largest. Another noted school within the WUSTL system is the <a href="http://brownschool.wustl.edu/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Brown School of Social Work</a>, the top-ranked school of its kind in America.</p>
<p>Given WUSTL’s continued suc­cess, opportunities for collabora­tion continue to multiply interna­tionally, a move that is strongly encouraged by its leadership.</p>
<p>“For Japan, we see opportuni­ties for collaborating with a num­ber of institutions in addressing major global challenges such as energy, the environment and sustainability, population ag­ing, food and water security and public health. [There] is a great opportunity to collaborate in the area of Alzheimer’s research, for example,” said Wrighton.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/7-MISSOURI/JT-USA-2014-WASH-UNI-STL-LOGO-REC.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" />Having already established a strong connection with the <a href="http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> through the McDonnell International Schol­ars Academy, among other part­nerships with <a href="http://www.waseda.jp/top/en" target="_blank">Waseda University</a> and <a href="http://www.keio.ac.jp/" target="_blank">Keio University</a>, WUSTL maintains a strong interest in ex­panding its ties with Japan.</p>
<p>“We want to continue to build on those relationships. We are also promoting multilateral partnerships,” said Wrighton. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Academic excellence bridging Japan and America
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p> <p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p> <p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p> <p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure> <p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p> <p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p> <p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p> <p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p> <p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p> <p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p> <p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p> <p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure> <p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p> <p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p> <p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. 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Thank you. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '1', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '69', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4138', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '69', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Nebraska', 'url' => 'nebraska', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'missouri', 'article_id' => '20673', 'article_url' => 'academic-excellence-bridging-japan-and-america' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20675', 'title' => 'Nebraska thanks Japan for continued successful relationship ', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'nebraska-thanks-japan-for-continued-successful-relationship', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Nebraska, Governor, Dave Heineman, Japan, Investment ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p> <p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p> <p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p> <p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure> <p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p> <p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p> <p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p> <p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p> <p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p> <p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p> <p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p> <p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure> <p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p> <p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p> <p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p> <p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p> <p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. 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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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/special-feature/69/nebraska.html">Nebraska
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>As <a href="http://www.nebraska.gov/government/governor.html" target="_blank">Governor of Nebraska</a> for the last 10 years, we have put a significant focus on making <a href="http://www.neded.org/" target="_blank">Nebraska the best place to do business in the United States</a> and on our very important relationship with Japan. I am pleased that our relationship and hard work will continue under Governor-elect Pete Ricketts.</p>
<p>I have many people and organizations to thank for their incredible support and part­nership throughout the years.</p>
<p>At the top of this list is my deep thanks to the nation of Japan for being a solid trade and investment partner. Japan has been a key collaborator in sharing valuable educational and research opportunities as well as exchanging students, top university professors and education leaders.</p>
<p>Our long-standing relationship with Ja­pan took a giant step forward when we established the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center-Japan</a> in 2006 where Nebraska and Japanese busi­ness leaders could comfortably meet to pursue increasing trade and investment opportunities. Japan was the state’s fourth largest export market in 2013 with Nebras­ka companies posting merchandise exports of more than $566 million, representing 7.7 percent of our total merchandise exports.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the first half of 2014, Nebraska’s total exports to Japan were nearly $300 million, eclipsing exported goods and ser­vices during the same period in 2013.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEB-EDC-Ricketts-and-Heineman.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts (left) and outgoing Gov. Dave Heineman meet to discuss the state’s key business, including promoting and growing international trade.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to have more than 30 Japanese-owned businesses calling Nebraska home. Our oldest and most recognizable investment is with <a href="http://www.kawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Motor Manufacturing</a>. For 40 years, we’ve had the good fortune to partner with <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln</a>.</p>
<p>Kawasaki’s con­tinued contributions to the city of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska are outstanding and truly immeasurable.</p>
<p>Looking back through my ten-year administration, I have been blessed to grow in partnership and friendship with remarkable individuals and organizations, including Nebraska-Japan Center Executive Director Koji Nagasaka and Office Manager Hisami Imagawa; Bumpei Kawanaka, the honor­ary attaché for the Kansai area of Japan for more than 20 years. We enjoy two strong twin city relationships between <a href="http://www.cityofhastings.org/" target="_blank">Hastings</a> and <a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/histtown/ozu.html" target="_blank">Ozu</a>, and <a href="http://www.cityofomaha.org/" target="_blank">Omaha</a> with <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/" target="_blank">Shizuoka</a>; as well as Nebraska’s economic partnership with Shizuoka Prefecture since 2005; the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Trade Organization, more widely known as JETRO</a>; and the annual <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> confer­ences.</p>
<p>In fact, Nebraska is excited to be host­ing the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Confer­ence in 2018 and we extend an invitation to all company leaders to join us for a very memorable and productive event.</p>
<p>I am confident that Nebraska and Japan will continue to enjoy a strong and endur­ing relationship under the leadership of my friend, Nebraska Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts. Thank you. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Nebraska thanks Japan for continued successful relationship
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure> <p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p> <p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p> <p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p> <p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure> <p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p> <p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p> <p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p> <p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '69', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4138', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '69', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Nebraska', 'url' => 'nebraska', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'nebraska', 'article_id' => '20675', 'article_url' => 'nebraska-thanks-japan-for-continued-successful-relationship' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure> <p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p> <p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p> <p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p> <p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure> <p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p> <p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p> <p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p> <p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '69', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4138', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '69', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Nebraska', 'url' => 'nebraska', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'nebraska', 'article_id' => '20675', 'article_url' => 'nebraska-thanks-japan-for-continued-successful-relationship' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Nebraskan pigs get more care',
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'content_old' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>“We care for every pig in such a way that they will have a great life. We invest heavily in making sure the animals are healthy while they are growing, which gives you the best quality product,” said veterinarian Larry Coleman of Nebraska-based hog farm <a href="http://www.thomaslivestock.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Livestock</a>. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-NEBRASKA-PORK-dryingpig-2.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">At Thomas Livestock, Nebraskan pigs get extra TLC from caretakers.</figcaption></figure>
<p>By providing 24/7 human care during the birthing process, Thomas Livestock has increased its production to about 35 pigs per sow per year, around double the global industry average. The introduction of an electronic sow feeding system allows pigs to roam freely in a pen and permits the caretakers the ability to ac­curately monitor each pig’s food intake via a computerized tracking system.</p>
<p>“With this technology, we will exceed production levels of the individual housing method employed by our competitors. We are quite excited about it be­cause we feel that we will give society what is seeks in terms of animal care, while doing better than we used to do,” Coleman explained.</p>
<p>“We believe in what we are doing here. We don’t think you can buy a better pig anywhere else. We will get it to you with­out any sort of contamination and stress. You are going to love our pork,” he added.</p>
<p>After declining the past two years, <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VK0FRoqUf3o" target="_blank">pork exports</a> have recov­ered and are predicted to grow in the immediate future. In 2013, Japan remained the second larg­est importer of American agricultural products, valued at $ 454 million, a heartening vote of confidence given the stringent standards the Japanese impose on their food and their ingredi­ents. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20677', 'title' => 'Solutionary Inc. takes information security to the next level ', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'solutionary-inc-takes-information-security-to-the-next-level', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Nebraska, Solutionary, Steve Idelman, Information Security, NTT, Japan, ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p> <p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p> <p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p> <p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p> <p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p> <p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p> <p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p> <p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p> <p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p> <p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p> <p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p> <p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p> <p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p> <p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p> <p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p> <p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p> <p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '69', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4138', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '69', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Nebraska', 'url' => 'nebraska', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'nebraska', 'article_id' => '20676', 'article_url' => 'nebraskan-pigs-get-more-care' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p> <p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p> <p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p> <p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p> <p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p> <p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p> <p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p> <p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p> <p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p> <p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p> <p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p> <p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p> <p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p> <p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p> <p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p> <p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p> <p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. 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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>After decades of experience in the direct marketing call center industry, <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/company/management/" target="_blank">Steven Idelman</a> recognized early the need to protect big data as well as the vital and sensitive information held by large enterprises.</p>
<p>In 2000, he teamed up with then Chief Technology Officer (now President) Mike Hrabik, Chief Operating Officer Sheri Idelman and other partners to form <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc</a>., which provides <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/managed-security-services/" target="_blank">managed security services (MSS)</a> and <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/consulting/" target="_blank">security consulting services</a> to large and global enterprises as well as to mid-sized from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.<img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/8-NEBRASKA/JT-USA-2014-Solutionary-LOGO-SQ.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="288" /></p>
<p>Thanks to its patented <a href="http://www.solutionary.com/services/activeguard-platform/" target="_blank">ActiveGuard</a> security services and analytics platform, among others, Solutionary has won several industry-wide awards and built its reputation as a leading MSS provider.</p>
<p>“For years, IT has been a North American-driven industry. But as the market for security services globalized, Solutionary had a fundamental choice to make as a company. It was time for us to go global,” said chief executive officer Idelman.</p>
<p>With its unmatched global reach and immense research ca­pabilities, <a href="http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html" target="_blank">Japanese telecom gi­ant NTT</a> successfully edged out other global rivals in acquiring Solutionary in August 2012.</p>
<p>“NTT’s ability to bring ad­vanced analytics and advanced services to the world was very attractive to us. To my knowl­edge, NTT has more security pieces and parts than any other company in the world” said Idel­man.</p>
<p>By becoming part of NTT, So­lutionary is helping the company toward unifying its security as­sets to provide the market with a high-quality, global and seam­less customer experience.</p>
<p>Having maintained its identity throughout the integration pro­cess, Solutionary is looking for­ward to leveraging its expertise and further contributing to NTT’s global growth.</p>
<p>“We want to make NTT proud of us and reinforce the wisdom of their decision in acquiring us. We do all of this with a deep sense of appreciation for our Japanese counterparts as they have enabled us to be a part of a great success story moving for­ward,” Idelman said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Solutionary Inc. takes information security to the next level
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure> <p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p> <p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p> <p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p> <p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p> <p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p> <p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure> <p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p> <p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p> <p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p> <p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p> <p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p> <p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. 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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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), (int) 16 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 17 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 18 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 19 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 20 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 21 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 22 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 23 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 24 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 25 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 26 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 27 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 28 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 29 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 30 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 31 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 32 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 33 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 34 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 35 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 36 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 37 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20678', 'title' => 'Honda Trading: Depending on the American market ', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'honda-trading-depending-on-the-american-market', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Ohio, Honda Trading, Nobuhiko Shiozaki, Honda, Japan, Commodities', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure> <p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p> <p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p> <p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p> <p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p> <p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p> <p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure> <p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p> <p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p> <p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p> <p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p> <p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p> <p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '70', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4147', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '70', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Ohio', 'url' => 'ohio', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'nebraska', 'article_id' => '20677', 'article_url' => 'solutionary-inc-takes-information-security-to-the-next-level' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
Notice (8): Undefined index: SpecialFeature [APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 79]Code Context <div class="article-head clearfix">
<h5>
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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/special-feature/70/ohio.html">Ohio
Dec 29, 2014
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
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<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>What became a significant business opportunity for <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/" target="_blank">Honda Trading America (HTA)</a> started out as a simple program in 1972 to export U.S.-made products, utilizing empty cargo space on Honda’s Pacific fleet of ships. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-Honda-Trading-CEO.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Honda Trading America Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki</figcaption></figure>
<p>As Honda’s U.S. manufacturing presence grew, HTA’s focus shift­ed to supporting Honda’s U.S. and global manufacturing operations, which provided a criti­cal link between Honda factories, its materials suppliers and other trading partners.</p>
<p>Its operations expanded to in­clude such diverse activities as <a href="http://americas.hondatrading.com/en/business/index.html" target="_blank">the procurement of raw mate­rial for Honda’s U.S. factories and many of its component suppli­ers; the procurement and recycling of precious metals such as platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters; and the co­ordination of international supply chain logistics</a>.</p>
<p>“I asked myself, ‘How can our company survive in America?’ Of course, we have survived for the last forty years. But can we do another 10 or even 20 years? The company constantly has to be taking action and improving,” said Chief Operating Officer Nobuhiko Shiozaki, who assumed his position in April.</p>
<p>While HTA’s business has been growing throughout the years, Shiozaki sees a need to adjust its Honda Trading: Depending on the American market revenue model to ensure long-term growth. He also aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency and raise total output.</p>
<p>Shiozaki’s primary focus is to improve QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) efficiency by changing the mindset of his employees. Instead of only setting targets, he will lay out strategies to reach them.</p>
<p>“People have to enjoy the company. With happy people, the business will grow. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You have to think about the next generation for the sustainability and continuity of the company,” Shiozaki said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Honda Trading: Depending on the American market
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. 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Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. 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href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p> <p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure> <p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p> <p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p> <p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p> <p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p> <p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p> <p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p> <p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p> <p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure> <p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p> <p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p> <p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p> <p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p> <p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p> <p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p> <p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '70', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4147', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p> <p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure> <p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p> <p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p> <p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p> <p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p> <p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p> <p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p> <p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p> <p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure> <p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p> <p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p> <p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p> <p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p> <p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes 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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'KTH Parts Industries Inc.: Growing its capabilities for opportunities ',
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'content_old' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'KTH Parts Industries Inc.: Growing its capabilities for opportunities ',
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'content_old' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'KTH Parts Industries Inc.: Growing its capabilities for opportunities ',
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'content_old' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p><a href="http://www.kth.net/" target="_blank">KTH Parts Industries, Inc.</a>, lo­cated in Saint Paris, Ohio, has been a stamping and welding supplier for Honda since 1985.</p>
<p>“The company came to the United States in order to sup­port the Honda manufacturing plant here in Ohio,” explained KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-KTH-PARTS-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> KTH Parts Industries President Takashi Kagaya</figcaption></figure>
<p>Currently, KTH is responsible for producing <a href="http://www.kth.net/product-information/automotive-underbody/" target="_blank">underbody structural frame components</a> found in a wide variety of Honda mod­els produced in North America.</p>
<p>KTH’s engineering, production and quality processes ensure the company provides top-notch automotive parts.</p>
<p>The company strives to meet or exceed all customer expecta­tions in every aspect of its busi­ness.</p>
<p>The robust production capac­ity of its St. Paris plant allows it the opportunity to expand its business opportunities.</p>
<p>“With KTH’s expanding R&D capabilities and our ability to increase production volume, KTH is open to the possibility of entering new markets,” said Kagaya, who believes that the company’s competitive edge lies within its mission to provide quality performance products at competitive prices.</p>
<p>KTH’s manufacturing and technical capabilities, along with its strategic location, enhance its ability to meet the needs of its customers with reliability and affordability.</p>
<p>KTH’s longstanding history with one of the world’s larg­est automotive manufacturers proves it is poised to meet the demands of any operation look­ing for a partner in the automo­tive industry. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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KTH Parts Industries Inc.: Growing its capabilities for opportunities
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p> <p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure> <p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p> <p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p> <p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p> <p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p> <p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure> <p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p> <p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p> <p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p> <p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '70', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4147', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '70', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Ohio', 'url' => 'ohio', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'ohio', 'article_id' => '20679', 'article_url' => 'kth-parts-industries-inc-growing-its-capabilities-for-opportunities' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p> <p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure> <p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p> <p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p> <p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p> <p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p> <p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure> <p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p> <p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p> <p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p> <p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '70', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4147', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '70', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Ohio', 'url' => 'ohio', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'ohio', 'article_id' => '20679', 'article_url' => 'kth-parts-industries-inc-growing-its-capabilities-for-opportunities' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>As the inventor of the linear motion guide, Japan’s <a href="http://www.thk.com/" target="_blank">THK</a> found success in the United States when, at the <a href="http://www.imts.com/" target="_blank">International Ma­chine Tool Show</a> in Chicago in 1978, an American machine tool maker unveiled its latest machin­ing center, which used THK’s new technology.</p>
<p>“Until Kearney & Trecker started using our product nobody really paid attention to linear motion guides. A lot of the success that THK achieved has been due to its experience with American companies,” said <a href="http://www.thk.com/?q=us" target="_blank">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA)</a> President Akihiko Kambe. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/9-OHIO/JT-USA-2014-THK-KAMBE-CEO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">THK Manufacturing of America (TMA) President Akihiko Kambe</figcaption></figure>
<p>Due to its success in America, THK moved closer to its custom­ers in North America and in 1998, opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio, its first plant outside Ja­pan.</p>
<p>“It’s been very important for us to manufacture here to support our North American custom­ers and reduce lead times. With this facility, we encourage them to visit us and talk to us directly,” said Kambe.</p>
<p>“America is the biggest market in the world for innovation. If we can support our customers here in new fields such as 3-D print­ing, then we will be in a great po­sition to grow with them when they expand globally,” he added.</p>
<p>TMA also manufactures auto­motive ball joint parts and has been providing its products to American automotive manufacturers in North America. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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